https://pixabay.com/photos/puppy-dog-chihuahua-brown-basket-5435062/ 

 

CBD seems to be a treat for both humans and their pet companions nowadays. Even more, supplements based on CBD seem to be sitting in some murky legal waters, with the color getting darker on the side of pet products. 

 

So why are people still buying oils, capsules, and treats for their furry friends if there is no solid legal framework to support their effects. 

 

When you ask a pet parent, their answer will be short and insightful – CBD pet products work as advised. Therefore, today we’ll take a look at the science behind CBD dog treats and other similar products and the type of ailments they are supposed to treat. 

 

Let’s start by discussing why we don’t have a legal framework for these products (yet).

Can Vets Prescribe CBD Products?

According to a Brightfield Group report (The 2021 Pet CBD Pupdate), the pet CBD market is expected to reach $629 million in sales this year. Yet, not one of these products was recommended (directly) by a veterinarian. 

 

What’s up with that?

 

Well, the CBD situation is a bit murky all over the country, with contradicting laws and regulations that put even humans in difficulty. For instance, in the state of California in 2019, the governor signed a law that made CBD pet products legal. However, this only means veterinarians in the state can now recommend such products, they still can’t prescribe them. 

 

So, if you’d want to buy something like CBD dog treats from Honest Paws, you can ask your vet about them and if they fit your dog’s dietary restrictions. In turn, they will be able to reply using the little scientific information at their disposal. 

 

Quick note: The murky legal framework also hindered deeper research into the matter of CBD use in pets. 

Why Do Pet Owners Buy CBD Products?

Here are some of the most commonly invoked reasons (besides “it works):

• Reduce anxiety
• Help relieve pain (from osteoarthritis)
• Improve mobility 
• Increase appetite
• Reduce inflammation
• Help reduce the number and intensity of epilepsy seizures
• Keep the nervous system in check
• Calm down moods and help relieve depression

 

Additionally, cannabidiol is a natural compound that communicates well with a dog or a cat’s system. As a result, the side effects are few and negligible compared to the side effects of other pharmaceuticals. 

Soothing an Anxious Pet

Pets and dogs in special, can get anxious from almost anything. For instance, a new dog can get scared in its owner’s new house because his/her senses are assaulted by new fragrances, sounds, and textures. 

 

And, while it’s true there are methods you can employ to calm down a new dog if their anxiety doesn’t go down, you have the option of using CBD treats for dogs. They also work for separation anxiety and other forms. 

Pain Relieving

CBD can help reduce inflammation in the body and can help reduce the pains associated with arthritis in aging dogs. This happens because cannabidiol has a direct effect on the endocannabinoid system (existent in both animals and humans) and can help pain signals before they reach the brain. Additionally, the anti-inflammatory properties also help reduce swelling in the joints, which improves the animal’s mobility. 

 

While there are not many large-scale studies to observe these effects (up until now), the ones that do exist support the claims mentioned in this article. Therefore, it’s rather easy to understand why so many pet owners switch to CBD products. 

 

However, it’s important to keep in mind that not all products are good for your dog. Moreover, not all products are reliable, so it’s mandatory to perform a thorough review of the options available in your area before deciding on which one is best for your furry friend.